Overall Member Rating

Solstice wowed us big time

We live about 1 1/4 hours from the port so our travel was short. We parked in the new lot directly across from Pier 18 and it was just a minute or two before we were in the terminal. Embarkation went very quickly and we were on the ship within 10 minutes. We were greeted with champagne and welcomed on-board. We dropped our carry ons off in our cabin - it was beautiful. We had one of the angled balconies which was huge. A quick trip up to the Oceanview cafe led us to a well laid out casual restaurant. We grabbed a quick bite and headed off to explore. The ship is beautiful. We were taken back with the art and the overall layout of the ship. Even the elevators were pretty and lit and changed from blue to pink when the elevator arrived. The atrium and the live tree were beautiful. Up to the lawn we went and yes there is really grass up there. We were a little taken back, however, by people sunning themselves in swimsuits on the lawn. Don't know if that was the intent!

Our cabin More
had the bed located close to the door so we had a nice area inside the balcony doors with sofa to relax. Even throw pillows were provided. The balcony itself had adjustable lounge chairs that reclined and were of a mesh material that dried up in no time. The balcony was on an angle and was the largest balcony we ever had - probably a good 10 x 10. Loved it.

Our cabin steward was efficient and always had our room cleaned when we arrived back from breakfast. We did room service a few days and the remainder of days we had breakfast in the main dining room. One day they had a brunch in the main dining room with ice carvings and the other goodies associated with a nice brunch.

Our waiter Raj and his assistant went out of their way to make our dining experience a pleasant one. We have done approximately 30 cruises and have never had a more efficient and pleasant wait staff. Our hats are off to them. Food was for the most part very good. A few dishes disappointed but were not inedible. Salads were fresh - menus varied and sugar free desserts were delicious. Our table of 8 consisted of a newly wed couple in their 20s, a couple in their early 40's, a lady from Haiti in her 40s and another lady in her 50s from Jamaica. We are 65 and 72 but the group jelled nicely and a good time was had by all.

The ship never felt crowded with the exception of the pool areas on sea days. There are so many little places to sit and relax and enjoy one's surroundings. We kept finding more and more wonderful places to sit and read.

We tried Bistro on 5 for crepes and absolutely loved it - well worth the additional $5 charge. Murano was booked completely throughout our cruise. We had looked forward to dining here and this was our only disappointment. While the food was good, it was not outstanding. As we neared the completion of our meal, we sensed that the staff was hurrying diners up so that they could bring in another seating. Both my husband and I had heartburn all night and thought it was probably a result of the heavy french food. My husband laughed that we had paid extra for the heartburn.

Entertainment - the glass show is a not to be missed. The day we attended the glass blowers had taken a sketch from a young man in the children's program which was of a turtle leaving its newly hatched shell - what a masterpiece they created and we learned so much about the art of glass blowing.

Production shows - the best we have seen. The dancers and singers were outstanding and we enjoyed 3 of their shows - including one which mimics the Cirque productions. The female vocalist impersonator was outstanding. Good entertainment.

We did an excursion in Tortola which consisted of an island tour and stop at Cane Beach. Very nice and well worth the $35 charge.

We met many nice people at lunches and breakfasts. Everyone seemed like they were enjoying their cruise and there were very few complainers or obnoxious passengers. A breath of fresh air!

Disembarkation - they have it down to a science. We were off the ship, through customs and had our baggage in less than 15 minutes.

So - we give this cruise an A plus. We enjoyed ourselves so much we wondered why we had been cruising other lines (Royal Caribbean and Carnival). We had actually forgotten why we had previously sailed Celebrity 7 times. You can bet our next cruise will be on Celebrity - and hopefully on the Solstice or Equinox. Less

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Cabin review: 1A8226 Deluxe Veranda

Cabin 8226 - few steps from the elevator but absolutely no noise whatsoever froms the elevators due to glass sliding doors. Loved the convenience of being so close to the elevators. Our cabin had the sofa by the balcony doors and it was nice to sit and relax on the days it was too windy to be outside. Our balcony was huge due to being on the angle looking forward. We loved that we could see the bridge. Storage was ample and we loved that there is a night light in the bathroom. There could have been more insulation between cabins but most passengers were quiet and mindful not to disturb others.